45% prepacked food does not match weight on label

In 2020, the FPS Economy checked the correctness of the quantity indication of pre-packaged foodstuffs. This revealed that 45% of the checked lots did not comply with the requirements. The checks concerned "pre-packaged by variable weight" fruit and vegetables, meat and meat products, fish, dairy products and prepared food.

The campaign was aimed at shops that perform their own on-site pre-packaging of fresh food in variable weights, as well as at packing stations that deliver pre-packaged food conditioned by variable weight to shops. The actual net quantity of the individual packs was compared with the indicated quantity by means of a random sample. During the campaign, 605 lots of prepacked food were checked in 136 outlets. The inspections were unannounced.

45% of the lots checked were found to be non-compliant with the regulations

A lot is considered to be non-compliant as soon as at least one package is found within it whose actual net quantity is less than the indicated quantity. This strict method aims to assure the consumer that he actually receives the quantity of pre-packaged product he buys. 

All companies where infringements were found received a warning or an official report with a transaction proposal, or were referred to the public prosecutor's office, and will be followed up by a second inspection.

economie.fgov.be

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